The King and Queen visit Kronoberg County — watch films here

Motiv: The King and Queen look at an exhibition in Pukeberg, guided by craft consultant Agneta Gefors. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/Scanpix

On Wednesday 6 March, The King and Queen visited Kronoberg County.

The King and Queen visit Arenastaden in Växjö to find out about the municipality's environmental and sporting initiatives, and to meet young athletes. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/Scanpix

After their visit to Kronoberg County, The King and Queen said: "We started our visit in Pukeberg. There, and during the rest of our visit to Kronoberg County, we have encountered optimism and creativity. It has been extremely inspiring to meet all those involved in helping to make Kronoberg County stronger."

17:03 At the High Performance Centre, coach Agne Bergvall, Karin Torneklint and Professor Carl-Axel Hageskog explained to The King and Queen how the centre helps to develop Swedish sport.

IFK Växjö meet The King and Queen. Photo: royalcourt.se

16:59 The King and Queen were shown around Växjö Tipshall, which was built for indoor football. The hall was opened in 1989.

The King shows off the shirt, with the number one and the name "The King" on the back, which he received from a supporter. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/Scanpix

16:33 Växjö Municipal Commissioner Per Sköldberg explained that several arenas have been built in the area, in partnership between sports associations and the municipality.

Arenastaden Arenastaden in Växjö is home to four ultramodern arenas in a central location. Most areas of Växjö are within walking distance of Arenastaden. Arenastaden has also been adapted according to Växjö's own slogan, "Europe's greenest town". Efforts have been made to incorporate wood and glass into the buildings, and energy efficiency requirements have been introduced.

16:30 Charlotta Svanberg, First Vice Chair of Växjö Municipal Executive Board, welcomed The King and Queen and explained about the creation of the arena. 16:26 The King and Queen arrived at Växjö's Telekonsult Arena, which was opened in October 2012. 15:56 On the coach, Chairman of Växjö Municipal Executive Board Bo Frank explained about Växjö as "Europe's greenest town". 15:42 On the coach to Växjö, Pro-Rector of Linnaeus University Lena Fritzén explained about the Kamprad Family Foundation, which is based in Växjö. 15:26 Britta Lundén, Chair of Tingsryd Municipal Executive Board, gave a speech. An outdoor gym will be installed in Tingsryd in connection with The King and Queen's visit.

The King's speech in Tingsryd. Photo: royalcourt.se

15:15 The King gave his speech outside Wasa School.

An extract from The King's speech: "Today, we have heard many historic, contemporary and forward-looking stories. I have visited Kronoberg on several occasions. Recently, I have mainly learnt about people's experiences of Storm Gudrun, met various entrepreneurs — particularly within the manufacturing industry — and followed your environmental and climate initiatives."

Waiting for The King's speech. Photo: royalcourt.se

14:47 The King and Queen arrived at Wasa School in Tingsryd, where they were met by head teacher Anna Isaksson and Andreas Carlsson. They explained about the work of the Academy of Music and Business. The Academy of Music and Business In Tingsryd, the Academy of Business and Music plans to begin operations in 2013. Based on the slogan "the miracle of Swedish music", the school will act as a forum where Sweden's future creators and entrepreneurs can come together and develop.

The King and Queen are welcomed to the Culture Workshop. Photo: royalcourt.se

14:32 Twenty-one-year-old Frans Nilsson from Tingsryd, who started the Swedish Fish clothing company, spoke about the business and how it is growing internationally.

14:16 The King and Queen arrived at the Culture Workshop in Tingsryd. 13:56 Anders Borgehed, a business developer in Tingsryd Municipality, spoke about the plans for a national park and what this means in terms of enterprise in the municipality.

The King and Queen leave Blidingsholm Estate. Photo: royalcourt.se

13:39 Britt-Louise Berndtsson, housekeeper at Blidingsholm, concluded lunch by speaking about the history of Blidingsholm. Blidingsholm has been owned by the Gustavsson family since the early 1800s. 12:43 The King and Queen arrived at Blidingsholm Estate in Tingsryd Municipality, where lunch was served. 12:13 Berit Oscarsson, Director of Communications at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, explained about the work involved in turning Åsnen into a national park, which is expected to be completed in 2015. Åsnen will be Sweden's thirtieth national park. 11:51 Lennart Johansson, CEO of Kulturparken, explained about the history of Småland during the journey to Blidingsholm.

The King and Queen with glassmaker Kjell Engman's gift. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/Scanpix

11:33 Artist Kjell Engman showed his exhibition and gave The King and Queen a gift of a glass sculpture representing them on their county visits.

11:04 The King and Queen arrived at the glassworks in Kosta. Glassmakers at Kosta BodaThe first designer to be linked to Kosta was Gunnar G:son Wennerberg in 1898. Since then, many artists and designers have contributed towards the glassworks' traditions. Find out more about Kosta Boda's designers here. 10:47 Magnus Andersson, CEO of Orrefors Kosta Boda, welcomed The King and Queen to Kosta Boda Art Hotel. He talked about the transformation that Kosta is undergoing, and the plans for the future. The hotel, which was opened in 2009, is the hub of these plans. Kosta Boda Art HotelKosta Boda Art Hotel is built from glass and stone, and was designed by Kosta Boda's designers. The hotel is at the heart of Sweden's glass-making region, and aims to encourage an interest in Swedish art glass and to develop Kosta as a tourist destination. Find out more about Kosta Boda Art Hotel here.

A children's choir welcomes The King and Queen to Kosta. Photo: royalcourt.se

10:42 The King and Queen arrived at Kosta Boda Art Hotel. 10:27 Lessebo's Municipal Chief Executive Christina Nyquist talked to The King and Queen about the municipality's long manufacturing history. 10:18 On the coach to Kosta, County Governor Kristina Alsér talked about Kronoberg County and the changes the county has experienced since The King became Head of State in 1973.

The King looks at clothing designs from 1973, which are on show in the exhibition hall in Pukeberg. Photo: royalcourt.se

09:33 County Governor Kristina Alsér spoke about the challenges facing the glass-making region in the future and the great commitment to glass, both nationally and internationally. This industry traces its heritage back to the 1700s. The glass-making region attracts 1.5 million visitors each year. 09:21 Municipal Chief Executive Jan Lagerqvist welcomed The King and Queen to Nybro Municipality. The King and Queen learnt about Pukeberg's history. 09:18 The King and Queen were given a tour of Pukeberg. PukebergPukeberg is at the heart of Sweden's world-famous glass-making region. Today, this is a meeting place for many different players, including artists' studios, the National Association of Swedish Handicraft Societies, the Design Archive, the Glashyttan glassworks and Linnaeus University. Linnaeus University's design courses are based in Pukeberg and Växjö. Pukeberg also boasts two international courses that attract many overseas students: Glass Design and Swedish Furniture Design. Find out more about Pukeberg here. 09:11 The King and Queen were welcomed to Kronoberg County by County Governor Kristina Alsér at Pukeberg, Nybro.

The programme for The King and Queen's visit on Wednesday 6 March

09:00 The King and Queen arrive at Pukeberg, Nybro, where they are welcomed by County Governor Kristina Alsér and her husband. A tour of Pukeberg Glassworks' exhibition hall and a presentation of Linnaeus University's design courses and activities in the glass-making region. 10:30 The King and Queen visit Kosta Boda Art Hotel and find out about Orrefors Kosta Boda's future plans. A tour of Kjell Engman's latest exhibition. 13:00 Lunch at Blidingsholm Estate in Tingsryd Municipality, with a presentation of the work to create a national park. 14:15 The King and Queen visit the Culture Workshop in Tingsryd. 14:30 The King gives a speech at the entrance to Wasa School. 16:00 The King and Queen visit Arenastaden in Växjö to find out about the municipality's environmental and sporting initiatives. The day in Kronoberg County concludes with dinner at the County Governor's official residence.

County visits 2013

In connection with The King's 40th jubilee, The King and Queen will be visiting all of Sweden's 21 counties during the year.